Vijayawada is traditionally known for Kamma-Kapu rivalry which almost was like faction feuds of Rayalaseema. In the past, there were several instances of the two castes indulging in attacks and counter-attacks on each other, as was evident from the murder of popular Kapu leader Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga.

Now, it appears to have turned into Kamma-Kamma rivalry. On Sunday, two Kamma leaders – Devineni Rajasekhar alias Nehru of the Congress and Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan of the TDP – indulged in war of words that took the caste fight to a new height.

Vamsi has alleged that Nehru was resorting to goondaism in Vijayawada by promoting various anti-socials. He reiterated the allegation that Nehru had masterminded the killing of Vangaveeti Ranga two decades ago. He warned that he would not allow goondaism to come back to Vijayawada.

In retaliation, Nehru alleged that Vamsi had kidnapped a married woman and forcefully married her. He also alleged that Vamsi had conspired to kill former TDP MLA Paritala Ravindra in Anantapur district six years ago.

Vamsi replied that Paritala was his godfather and mentor in politics and that he had not come to politics by committing murders and rowdyism like Devineni Nehru. “I named my son after Paritala Ravi. How can I plan his murder? Perhaps, Nehru is speaking in frustration as he is suffering from loss of eyesight and kidney problems,” Vamsi said.

Nehru said he is in a perfect health condition and that Vamsi cannot compete with him in marathon race. He warned Vamsi not to bark like a mad dog and be under control, lest he would meet the fate of a dog.